Flight and Initial Communication
A pilot departed Washington, DC, at 0626 Eastern Daylight Time on an IFR flight plan to Rocky Mount, North Carolina. At 0731, before reaching Rocky Mount, the pilot radioed that he was having "a little trouble breathing" and asked about the distance to Rocky Mount. The controller advised that Rocky Mount was approximately 17 minutes of flying time away. No further communications were received from the aircraft.
Aircraft Track and Interception
The aircraft continued south at 10,000 feet MSL with a speed of about 150 knots and proceeded over the ocean. Military aircraft in the area were vectored to intercept and escort the plane. Pilots of the intercepting aircraft observed a person inside the aircraft with his head back in a reclined position. They noted little movement from the person, although he did move the sun visor from the side window to the stowed position.
Descent and Ditching
Subsequently, the aircraft's speed slowed to 110 knots. At 1219, it began descending and entered a descending spiral. At 1227, the aircraft touched down in the ocean approximately 10 miles east of Rock Sound, Bahamas, in a wings-level attitude. After stopping, the aircraft sank.
Rescue and Medical Condition
Rescue personnel retrieved the pilot from the water. He was in shock and had sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen, rib cage, and left arm. At 1550, he was hospitalized with indications of fully developed peritonitis.